Dragons have been showcased in many cultural traditions. From the dragons in the Ethiopia of Greek mythology, to the European Red Dragon of Wales, to the Thunder Dragon of Bhutan and Pakhangba, to the mythical hybrid dragon, Manipur. There are countless stories and tales from around the world that feature this mythical creature.

In China, dragons are associated with power, strength and prosperity and are also believed to have control over the weather. As a symbol of the Imperial Family, dragons were often-times incorporated into the architecture of the palaces and were embroidered into the clothing of the Emperor.

Chinese New Year falls on Thursday, Feb. 19, and – as usual – Vancouver is pulling out all the stops. To mark the Year of the Ram in the Chinese zodiac (also referred to as the Year of the Sheep or Goat), the city is celebrating with festivals, banquets and of course the big Chinese New Year Parade on Sunday, Feb. 22.

The Chinese New Year festivities continue on during the week with the CIBC LunarFest. From February 7th to 9th, LunarFest 2014 will light up the Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza with a lantern festival, lion dancers, cultural and art demonstrations and workshops, and a dumpling festival.

LunarFest began in Vancouver in 2009 as a Vancouver Winter Olympics Legacy Event. The annual event is now the premiere festival of contemporary Asian arts and culture, and even expanded to Toronto in 2012. In addition to celebrating the Lunar New Year, LunarFest is an event that brings Canadians together to share in the diversity of Canada and create new forms of artistic expression. Every year, LunarFest brings together Canadian and international presenters in artistic collaboration. The goal of LunarFest is to bring together soul, art, and life on one stage.

On Sunday, February 2nd, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden in Chinatown presents the Year of the Horse Temple Fair, a special event to celebrate Chinese New Year. The festival is based on the Spring Festival temple fair where people meet to entertain, trade, celebrate, and pray for success in the New Year. The event is described as “re-nao” (热闹), or “hot and noisy”, which refers to the hustle and bustle of the crowds on the street as people greet one another to wish each other prosperity, good fortune, and good health for the upcoming year. The Chinese New Year is one of the most lively and colourful times at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden, and the Year of the Horse Temple Fair is the perfect time to visit the Garden.

The Year of the Horse is the seventh year in the twelve-year Chinese zodiac calendar system. Each year has a corresponding animal: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. According to the zodiac, the corresponding animal gives those born that year certain characteristics. Those born in the Year of the Horse are said to be active, animated, and communicative, with a straightforward and positive outlook on life.

Celebrate the lunar calendar with Chinese New Year (January 31-February 15), the last of Dine Out Vancouver Festival, Romeo + Juliet, hot chocolate and more! Check out this special edition of our top picks for events happening around Metro Vancouver this Thursday through Sunday!

Inside Vancouver is a multi-author blog, written by Vancouverites about Vancouver. Our goal is to give an insider’s view of Vancouver, to provide information, stories and opinions from the locals’ perspective about this great city.